Franck Kessie agency issue statement amid Barcelona exit talk

Franck Kessie's agency have firmly denied that the midfielder could leave Barcelona during this summer's transfer window.

The Ivory Coast international moved to Camp Nou on a free transfer last year after running down his contract at AC Milan.

Kessie has struggled to break into the first XI when Barcelona boss Xavi has had a full squad available, but Pedri's recent injury has opened the door for the 26-year-old to become an important player.

The midfielder has now scored three goals and registered three assists in 32 appearances at club level this season, including a late winner against Real Madrid in El Clasico last weekend.

Kessie's strike was Barcelona's 3000th goal at Camp Nou, and the result saw Xavi's side take a 12-point lead at the top of the La Liga table.

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There is still ongoing speculation surrounding the midfielder's future, though, with a number of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, said to be keeping a close eye on the developments.

In a statement, Kessie's agency have firmly denied rumours of a possible summer exit, insisting that the Ivorian will be at Barcelona for the 2023-24 campaign.

"We denied a possible transfer for Kessie, same for player and the club - but fake news is annoying," Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano quotes his agency as saying.

"The possibility that Kessie may leave Barcelona in the next transfer window is the same as hoping that a snake suddenly develops legs next summer.

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"Kessie plays, plays wonderfully well, scores goals, enters Barca history by signing goal number 3000 and someone finds the courage to divulge delusional information. Franck has been clear, Barca too: he wants to stay."

Kessie has scored one goal and registered one assist in 18 La Liga appearances this season, while he has one goal and two assists in four Copa del Rey appearances, with Xavi's side bidding to reach the final of the competition.

The Ivorian scored 37 goals and registered 16 assists in 223 appearances for Milan, where his form led to a battle for his services on a free transfer last summer.

Kessie has another three years left to run on his contract at Barcelona, meanwhile, having penned a four-year deal upon his arrival at Camp Nou.

The Catalan giants will return to action after the international break with a clash against bottom-of-the-table Elche on April 1.